AANA journal
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Clinical Trial
Utility of thromboelastography during neuraxial blockade in the parturient with thrombocytopenia.
No consensus exists on when it is safe to administer neuraxial blockade in a patient with a low platelet count. It has been suggested that thromboelastography (TEG) may be useful in assessing platelet function in parturients with thrombocytopenia. ⋯ All parturients whose platelet count was less than 100,000 mm(-3) were required to have TEG before a neuraxial technique was administered. This case series suggests that neuraxial techniques in parturients can be performed with a platelet count greater than 56,000 mm3 and a normal TEG result.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of 3 ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block approaches for cubital tunnel release surgery in 120 ambulatory patients.
We wanted to determine whether 1 of 3 brachial plexus blocks was best for one of our most common surgeries, the cubital tunnel release with or without transposition of the ulnar nerve. Brachial plexus blocks can provide excellent results for upper extremity surgery, but we noticed inexplicable block failure for cubital tunnel releases with an incision in the proximal arm. In this case series, we initially reviewed 90 patients receiving axillary, infraclavicular, or supraclavicular blocks to determine if one block performed better for a surgical procedure that proceeds up the inner aspect of the arm. ⋯ By increasing the volume, there appeared to be less need for surgeons to "touch up" blocks in the operating room. We suggest that increasing the volume of the intercostobrachial nerve block may improve success. Further studies to identify the intercostobrachial nerve by ultrasound are needed.
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Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a complex procedure used for the treatment of various types of cancer. Specifically, HIPEC has shown success where treatment failure sites (metastases) thrive. A classic example of one such area is the peritoneal surface, which remains a prominent failure site for patients with gynecologic and gastrointestinal cancer. ⋯ Anesthetic complications are common during this procedure with disturbances in hemodynamics, coagulation, and respiratory gas exchange. A knowledge of what to anticipate anesthetically will guide the practitioner to achieve successful management during and after the case. In this case report, a 71-year-old woman was treated for stage Ill peritoneal and ovarian cancer by cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Evaluation of postprocedure cognitive function using 3 distinct standard sedation regimens for endoscopic procedures.
The primary purpose of this investigation was to evaluate postprocedure cognitive function associated with 3 distinct standard sedation regimens used for endoscopic procedures. A secondary aim was to identify complications requiring provider interventions. Subjects scheduled for colonoscopies were approached for enrollment the day of their procedure. ⋯ The propofol-alone group had a mean TICS score of 35.09 at 24 hours compared with 35.98 at 48 hours (P = .924). The results of this investigation indicate that the sedation regimen of propofol alone has the least impact on postprocedure cognitive function. Additionally, the number of jaw lift interventions was significantly higher in both groups who received fentanyl.
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Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are a relatively new regional anesthetic technique used in a multimodal approach to provide postoperative analgesia of the anterolateral abdominal wall. The technique for placing TAP blocks has evolved from a landmark technique to an ultrasound-guided technique. There are 3 common approaches for accessing the TAP: subcostal, midaxillary, and ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric. ⋯ The approach used is contingent on the type and location of the surgical procedure. Overall, TAP blocks reduce postoperative pain and opioid requirements, resulting in fewer side effects such as nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, and sedation. Future studies should examine which type, concentration, and volume of local anesthetics are most effective.